Quark Expeditions
A specialist polar expedition operator with 30+ years of experience, offering a wide range of Antarctic itineraries from classic Peninsula voyages to fly-cruise options and adventurous add-ons.
Quark Expeditions has operated exclusively in polar regions since 1991, making it one of the most experienced Antarctic tour operators in the world. Their focus on small-ship expeditions and adventure options distinguishes them from larger cruise lines.
Fleet
World Explorer
- Passengers: 176
- Built: 2019
- Features: Spacious expedition ship with lecture theater, mudroom, multiple dining venues
- Ice class: 1B (equivalent to PC5)
Ocean Adventurer
- Passengers: 132
- Built: 1975, refurbished 2017
- Features: Classic expedition vessel, intimate atmosphere, strong ice capability
- Ice class: 1A (strong first-year ice)
Ultramarine
- Passengers: 199
- Built: 2021
- Features: Twin helicopters, 20 quick-deploy zodiacs, multiple embarkation points
- Ice class: PC6
Itineraries
Antarctic Explorer (11 days)
The classic Peninsula expedition. Drake Passage crossing, 4-5 landing days among icebergs, penguin colonies, and whale-rich waters.
Price range: $6,500 -- $16,000 per person
Fly-Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula (8 days)
Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island, skipping the Drake Passage entirely. Maximum time in Antarctica with minimum transit.
Price range: $10,000 -- $22,000 per person
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle (14 days)
Extended voyage crossing the Antarctic Circle (66 33'S) to reach deeper Peninsula sites and more remote wildlife colonies.
Price range: $9,000 -- $24,000 per person
South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula (20 days)
The grand voyage combining the Peninsula with South Georgia's king penguin megacolonies and Shackleton history.
Price range: $15,000 -- $38,000 per person
Adventure Options
Quark is known for offering active add-on experiences:
- Kayaking: Paddle among icebergs and alongside whales in sheltered Antarctic bays
- Camping: Spend a night on the Antarctic continent in bivouac gear under the midnight sun
- Snowshoeing: Guided treks on glacial terrain
- Paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboarding in calm Antarctic waters
- Photography workshops: Led by National Geographic-level photographers
Most adventure options are booked as supplements ranging from $300-$1,000 per activity.
Booking Information
- Season: November through March
- Departure ports: Ushuaia (ship), Punta Arenas (fly-cruise)
- Minimum age: 8 years
- Physical requirements: Good general fitness; adventure options require higher fitness
- Included: All meals, expedition jacket, boots on loan, zodiac operations, lectures